Advancing the Science of Developing Leaders and Leadership

This volume offered a scholarly perspective on the emerging science of developing leaders and leadership. Where available, scientific evidence is summarized to support the choice of appropriate developmental pathways (i.e., processes and practices) that enhance the likelihood of effective leader and leadership development occurring. This chapter concludes with a focused summary of key points to consider for future research and practice, but especially for research. A set of research questions is posed to help guide further advances in the nascent science of leader and leadership development. A mandate going forward is to encourage the scientific study of developing leaders and leadership, elevating the field to something on par but different from what is found in the leadership literature. It is also a counterweight to the voluminous marketplace of self-help books that promise to make someone a great leader, preferably right away.